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Things to Do in Belfast City & Greater Belfast

Some of the better known Belfast attractions include Belfast Zoo, St Anne's Cathedral, and of course the titanic quarter, birthplace of the famous RMS Titanic. However we also have our hidden treasures. Why not visit our own version of Willy Wonka's chocolate factory, Aunt Sandra's Candy Factory, take a boat tour along the Lagan or try comedy nights at the Empire bar which is housed in an old church.

Everywhere you'll come across country fairs, street markets, carnivals, drumming contests, road bowls in progress or a regatta on the lake. When the nights draw in, popular venues in town and cities are packed to capacity.

From the iconic Harland and Wolff cranes to Belfast Castle and beyond there is something for everyone and we have listed our top picks of Belfast attractions here.

Give your visit an extra dimension by fixing your holiday to coincide with some special event in Northern Ireland or perhaps you are looking for something fun to do over the weekend? If so, check out our Weekend in the City page for a list of latest events.

Places To Visit

'Winner' Marketing & Sales Excellence, NITA Awards 2013. The MAC is Belfast’s brand new arts venue selecting, creating and mixing up music, theatre, dance and art – bringing you the very best of local and international talent under one roof.

Completed in 1906, Belfast City Hall is a magnificent Edwardian 'wedding cake' built to reflect Belfast's city status, granted by Queen Victoria in 1888. The grounds are also used for many events from continental markets to open air concerts.

First established in 1828, the gardens have been enjoyed as a public park by the people of Belfast since 1895. There is an extensive rose garden and long herbaceous borders and the tree enthusiast can seek out the rare oaks planted in the 1880s.

'Winner' of Best Visitor Experience, NITA Awards 2013. Belfast Zoo is situated on a breath-taking 55 acre hilly site with panoramic views over Belfast Lough. The zoo acts as a safe haven for more than 160 species of rare and endangered animals.

The fine façade of the Main Building, designed by Charles Lanyon, conceals a quiet, restful quadrangle. This was the original Queen's College: the University has expanded throughout the immediate area, including all the houses on University Square.

A visit to the shop is like taking a trip back in time where visitors can look in on the whole production process and see how hand made chocolates and hand made fudge are made, most of which can be sampled as it's produced.

St George’s Market one of Belfast’s oldest attractions and is one of the best markets in the UK and Ireland. It has been voted for numerous local and national awards for its fresh,local produce and great atmosphere.

St Anne's Cathedral was consecrated in 1904. It contains mosaics by Sir Charles Nicholson and sculptures by Rosamund Praegar and Maurice Harding. The Spire was added in 2006. A modest entry charge applies though Cathedral is free for private prayer.